Women’s Cricket World Cup 2022: How the teams reached New Zealand

With the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2022 now just a matter of weeks away, the excitement is building as we near a month-long feast of cricket.

From Australia to Bangladesh, the best teams in the world are applying the finishing touches to their preparation after a five-year journey to New Zealand.

Here we take a look at how all eight teams qualified for the showpiece event, from the hosts all the way through to the debutants.

New Zealand

As hosts, New Zealand qualified automatically for the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2022.

The omens are good for the White Ferns, who won the tournament last time it was played in New Zealand 22 years ago.

They won a thrilling final by four runs against Australia on that occasion, successfully defending 184 at the Bert Lincoln Oval to earn revenge for a defeat against the same opponents three years previously.

Australia

Six-time champions Australia, who top the MRF Tyres ICC Women’s ODI Team Rankings, will make the short trip over the Tasman Sea in March after winning the ICC Women’s Championship.

The three-year competition was contested by eight teams, with the top four booking their place automatically.

In their 21 matches, Australia lost only once – all the way back in 2017 at Coffs Harbour against England.

Three-zero series wins in India and against Pakistan, New Zealand, the West Indies and Sri Lanka show they will be tough to stop once again.

England

Holders England, like Australia, qualified through the ICC Women’s Championship, where they finished second with 29 points.

England won 14 of their 21 matches, including that impressive win against Australia at Coffs Harbour, while they also recorded series wins against Pakistan, the West Indies, Sri Lanka and New Zealand.

Women’s